Full Description
"An urgent spotlight on a dire injustice."—Publishers Weekly
A revealing account of parenting in a country that neglects the needs of poor families—through the humble diaper.
Many of us take diapers for granted. Yet diaper insecurity is a common, often hidden consequence of poverty in the US, where nearly half of American families with young children struggle to get enough diapers.
Drawing on interviews with mothers dealing with this overlooked issue, Jennifer Randles shows how diapers have unique practical and symbolic significance for the well-being of families. Tracing the social history of diapering, Randles unravels a complex story of caregiving inequalities, the environmental impacts of child-rearing, and responsibility for meeting children's basic needs. Yet it is also a hopeful story: the book chronicles the work of people who manage diaper banks as well as the growing diaper distribution movement.
A hard-nosed yet nuanced tale of parenting, Living Diaper to Diaper is an eye-opening examination of inequality and poverty in America.
Contents
Contents
List of Illustrations
Acknowledgments
1. Introduction: Intersecting Inequalities of Diaper Dilemmas
2. From Leaves to Luvs: The Evolution of Diapering
3. Love and Labor of Diaper Need: Inventive Mothers Doing Diaper Work
4. Cloth Controversies: A Cheaper and Greener Solution to Diaper Need?
5. Pampers Politics: A Lasting Leak in the US Social Safety Net
6. Handing Out Huggies and Hope: Diaper Banking in the United States
7. Conclusion: Devising Dignified Solutions to Diaper Dilemmas
Appendix A. Methods: Studying Those Who Inspired Me To Become a Diaper Banker
Appendix B. Getting Involved: What You Can Do If You're Inspired Too
Notes
References
Index
